midnight gengar : meow in the blue shade by saori nakamishi

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Saori Nakamishi

Japanese, born 1977

MIDNIGHT GENGAR : MEOW IN THE BLUE SHADE, 2021

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Medium: Mix media plush and plexiglass
Size: 45 x 38 cm. (17.7 x 15 in.)
Markings: Sticker label, The artwork is dated, numbered and signed on a metal label sticked under the artwork's base

7,500 EUR

Galerie Jacob Paulett

Paris

About this Artwork

Edition: unique
Provenance: This artwork come directly from the Artist's Studio : Studio CrazyNoodles

Collective Creative Dynamics:

Art studios like CrazyNoodles often serve as a melting pot of diverse talents and influences. The artists within such studios usually share ideas, collaborate, and inspire each other. The synergy that emerges from this creative environment can be a powerful source of inspiration. The artists may draw from their own experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the dialogues within the studio to craft their unique artistic visions.

Cultural Heritage:

Japanese artists, in particular, frequently draw inspiration from their rich cultural heritage. This can encompass a wide range of influences, from traditional arts like calligraphy and woodblock printing to contemporary cultural elements like anime, manga, and video games. The juxtaposition of the old and the new often plays a significant role in their artistic creations.

Nature and Landscape:

The natural beauty of Japan, including its landscapes, seasons, and wildlife, is a recurring theme in Japanese art. Artists may find inspiration in the ever-changing scenery, the tranquility of a temple garden, or the energy of a bustling city. These natural and urban environments can serve as a wellspring of creativity.

Mythology and Folklore:

Japanese mythology and folklore are replete with captivating characters, stories, and symbolism. Artists may delve into these tales to create works that resonate with cultural traditions and resonate with modern audiences.

Contemporary Global Influences:

Japanese artists, including those in studios like CrazyNoodles, are not isolated from global artistic trends. They often engage with and respond to international art movements, incorporating global perspectives into their work.

Social and Personal Experiences:

Artists frequently draw from their own personal experiences and emotions, as well as social and political issues that affect them. These can be powerful sources of inspiration and drive the creation of thought-provoking and emotionally charged works.

In essence, the inspiration of artists from a studio like CrazyNoodles is multifaceted and dynamic. It's a blend of cultural heritage, contemporary influences, collaborative energy, and individual creativity. Their works may be a reflection of their unique perspectives on the world, informed by their experiences, interactions, and the diverse tapestry of Japanese culture.
Exhibitions: 2023
Neo pop Heroes, Galerie Thema, Valencia, Spain
Colors of Japan, Sibman Gallery, Paris, France
From Tokyo to SF, ZK Gallery, San Francisco, USA
Opening Show, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Colorfull, Eternity Gallery Miami , Miami, USA
Generation of Nippon Neo Pop, Eternity Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Permanent Exhibition, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Sitges, Spain

2022
Wonderland, , Japanese Contemporary Art Exhibition, Eternity Gallery Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Nippon Collective Show, Galerie Ariel Jakob, Paris, France
Generation of Pop, COVA Gallery, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Illusion of dreams and desires , Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
NeoPop Made in JAPAN, Galerie Ariel Sibony, Paris, France
KAWAI Show , Gallery 32, TelAviv, Israel
The World ... a Cartoon, Galerie Ariel jakob, Paris, France

2021
Crazynoodles gang !!!!!, Eternity Gallery Miami, Miami, USA
Collective Show, 5eme Art Gallery, Los-Angeles, USA
CrazyNoodles in Brussells, Galerie 7, Brussels, Belgium
Magnificent Contemporary Art , Eternity Gallery Hong Kong, Hong Kong , China
From Kyoto to Tokyo, Collective Show, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Show CrazyNoodles, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Icons, Tribes Gallery, Tel Aviv , Israel

2020
Shogun in PokemonLand, Eternity GALLERY Singapore, Singapore

CrazynOOdles and friends , 5eme Art Gallery, Los Angeles, USA
NeoPop Art Show, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Spain
Collective Show , Ode to Art, Singapore, Singapore
Collective Show , Galerie JacobPaulett, Paris France
Colors of Japan, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Sitges, Spain
Nippon Neo Pop, Eternity Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Ancestors and foreign propaganda, Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
My generation , Tribes Gallery, Tel-Aviv, Israel

2019
Close-ups of the eyes by Yoshihiro Fujita, Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
CrazyNoodles Show, Opera Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Permanent Exhibition, Tribes Gallery, Tel-Aviv, Israel
ColorFull2 , Galerie Ariel Sibony , Paris, France
Icons PartIII , Gallery 32 , Tel-Aviv, Israel
Collective Show, Galerie 7, Brussels, Belgium
Nippones frippones,Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
CrazynOOdles and friends, 5eme Art Gallery, Los Angeles, USA
Literature: Analyzing the collection of artworks by Saori Nakamishi, a prominent figure in the Japanese neo-pop art scene and a member of Studio CrazyNoodles, is an exploration into a unique blend of contemporary artistry, cultural icons, and whimsical creativity. Her series "Whimsical Plexiworlds and Pokémon Houses: Kawaii Haven" is a vivid portrayal of her artistic vision. Each piece within this series - "Golden Charmander: Embrace of Love and Peace," "Midnight Gengar: Meow in the Blue Shade," "Sunset Squirtle: Princess Saori's Kawaii Realm," "Sunlit Pikachu: Kawaii Glow," and "Blue Fantasy: Mudkip and Eevee Kawaii Abode" - has its own distinct charm and message, yet collectively, they form a cohesive narrative that encapsulates Nakamishi's artistic ethos.

Thematic Consistency:
Across all artworks, there is a consistent theme of blending the playful essence of Pokémon with the aesthetic charm of kawaii culture. Each piece features a Pokémon plush housed within an iridescent Plexiglass structure, surrounded by kawaii characters and phrases. This fusion of elements from popular culture and traditional Japanese aesthetics creates a unique visual language that is both accessible and deeply symbolic.

Use of Color and Material:
Nakamishi's choice of iridescent Plexiglass as a medium is particularly noteworthy. The material's inherent quality of changing colors depending on the viewing angle adds a dynamic and almost magical quality to her works. The color schemes of each piece - ranging from the golden hues in "Golden Charmander" to the serene blues in "Midnight Gengar" and "Sunlit Pikachu" - are carefully chosen to complement the Pokémon character featured, enhancing the emotional and thematic undertones of each artwork.

Symbolism and Character Selection:
Each Pokémon character selected for these artworks holds symbolic significance. Charmander, for instance, represents the fire of passion and hope in "Golden Charmander." Gengar, known for its ghostly and mischievous nature, is juxtaposed against the tranquil blue shade in "Midnight Gengar," creating a playful contrast. Squirtle, in "Sunset Squirtle," symbolizes resilience and calmness, while Pikachu and Mudkip in "Sunlit Pikachu" and "Blue Fantasy" embody the themes of joy, innocence, and potential.

Integration of Text and Symbols:
The inclusion of kawaii phrases and symbols adds a layer of personalization and depth to each piece. These elements serve not just as decorative additions but as integral components that offer insights into Nakamishi's personality and artistic philosophy. They create a direct connection with the viewer, adding a narrative element to the visual experience.

Emotional Resonance and Cultural Relevance:
Nakamishi's artworks resonate emotionally with a wide audience, evoking nostalgia and joy through the familiar imagery of Pokémon. By integrating these elements with the kawaii aesthetic, she bridges the gap between different forms of Japanese pop culture, making a statement about the pervasive influence and universality of these cultural icons in contemporary art.

Artistic Innovation and Neo-Pop Relevance:
Nakamishi's series is a testament to the evolving nature of neo-pop art. She pushes the boundaries of this genre by incorporating unconventional materials and blending high art with popular culture. Her work stands as a vibrant example of how contemporary art can remain deeply rooted in tradition while embracing the playful and whimsical aspects of modern life.

In conclusion, Saori Nakamishi's "Whimsical Plexiworlds and Pokémon Houses: Kawaii Haven" series is a remarkable achievement in the realm of neo-pop art. Her innovative use of materials, color, and popular culture icons, combined with a deep understanding of Japanese aesthetics, results in artworks that are not only visually stunning but also rich in meaning and emotional depth. Each piece in the series contributes to a larger narrative that celebrates the joy, whimsy, and vibrancy of contemporary Japanese art.
Image Rights: Image rights are property of MAM - Modern Art Machine , worldwide rep of Artist & Japanese studio Crazynoodles and Galerie Jacob Paulett.

Description

Jan 2021, Unique Edition
Mix media plush and plexiglass
15 × 15 × 17 7/10 in – 38 × 38 × 45 cm
The artwork is dated, numbered and signed on a metal label sticked under the artwork’s base
serie “Whimsical Plexiworlds and Pokémon Houses : Kawaii Haven”
Midnight Gengar: Meow in the Blue Shade” is an evocative and imaginative piece by Saori Nakamishi, a visionary neo-pop artist from Japan’s acclaimed Studio CrazyNoodles. This artwork, a part of her “Whimsical Plexiworlds and Pokémon Houses: Kawaii Haven” series, is a captivating fusion of whimsy and mystery, showcasing Nakamishi’s unique ability to blend pop culture elements with a distinctive artistic flair.

At the core of the artwork is an iridescent Plexiglass house, designed to catch and refract light in a way that produces mesmerizing blue reflections. These reflections evoke the enigmatic allure of a moonlit night, a canvas of deep blues and shifting shadows. The choice of blue is deliberate, symbolizing the mystery and depth of the night sky, a perfect backdrop for the central character of the piece – the Pokémon Gengar.

Gengar, known in the Pokémon universe as a mischievous and somewhat eerie character, is represented here as a plush figure. This juxtaposition of the ghostly nature of Gengar with the soft, approachable form of a plush toy creates a delightful contrast. It speaks to the heart of Nakamishi’s artistic philosophy: finding harmony in contradiction, blending the ethereal with the tangible, and bringing a playful warmth to the nocturnal coolness.

Adding a layer of whimsical charm is the kawaii sentence “meow.” This simple, yet intriguing word, often associated with cats, here takes on a new dimension. It adds an element of playful curiosity and a touch of the unexpected, as “meow” is not typically associated with a Pokémon like Gengar. This choice reflects Nakamishi’s talent for infusing her work with a sense of playfulness and surprise, encouraging viewers to look beyond the obvious and find joy in the unexpected.

“Midnight Gengar: Meow in the Blue Shade” is a story of contrasts and surprises. It is a visual tale that invites the viewer into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, where the night is not just a time of darkness, but a realm of wonder and playful secrets. The artwork encourages a sense of exploration, urging the viewer to delve into the depths of imagination, to explore the shadows and discover the magic that lies within.

In this piece, Nakamishi showcases her mastery of combining pop culture references with high art concepts. “Midnight Gengar: Meow in the Blue Shade” stands as a testament to her ability to create a world that is both deeply familiar and wonderfully strange, a place where a simple “meow” can open doors to a universe of whimsical adventures. It is a celebration of the playful, the mysterious, and the beauty of the night, captured through the lens of Nakamishi’s vibrant and imaginative artistry.

Galerie Jacob Paulett

About this Artwork

Description

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